Note
"...Ironically, the existence of transnational institutions such as the United Nations makes it harder for collective action against bad actors. In the past, interested parties would simply get together in temporary coalitions to do what they had to do. That is much harder now because they believe such action is illegitimate without the Security Council's blessing...The capture and release of the British hostages illustrate once again the fatuousness of the "international community" and its great institutions. You want your people back?...Go to the Security Council and get a statement that refuses even to "deplore" this act of piracy...."